What Is Modifier TC?
Modifier TC is a HCPCS Level II modifier appended to diagnostic procedures (imaging, cardiology testing, EEG, etc.) to indicate that only the technical component — equipment, supplies, technologist labor, and overhead — is being billed, not the professional interpretation.
- Independent imaging centers, sleep labs, cardiac testing centers, and pathology labs typically bill TC-only on their CMS-1500 (or UB-04) claims, while contracted reading physicians bill 26 on their own claims.
- Confirm the contractual arrangement and CPT-by-CPT TC/26 indicators before claim submission.
Modifier TC
Also known as: Technical Component Modifier
Modifier TC is a HCPCS Level II modifier appended to diagnostic procedures (imaging, cardiology testing, EEG, etc.) to indicate that only the technical component — equipment, supplies, technologist labor, and overhead — is being billed, not the professional interpretation.
Definition
Many diagnostic services have separable technical (TC) and professional (26) components. Modifier TC is used when one entity (typically a hospital, imaging center, or independent diagnostic testing facility) provides the equipment and technologist time, while a separate physician interprets and bills with Modifier 26. Together, TC + 26 equals the global service. CMS publishes TC/26 indicators for each CPT code on the MPFS file. Some services are TC-only or 26-only; some are global-only (no TC/26 split).
Example
A patient receives an MRI brain (CPT 70551) at a hospital outpatient imaging center. The hospital bills CPT 70551-TC (technical component) on the UB-04. A radiology group reads the images and bills CPT 70551-26 (professional component) on a CMS-1500. The two together replicate the global MRI service.
Common Misconceptions
Some practices accidentally bill global (no modifier) when they only own the equipment, leaving the radiologist's professional fee unbillable. Always verify which components were provided and modify accordingly.
Practical Application
Independent imaging centers, sleep labs, cardiac testing centers, and pathology labs typically bill TC-only on their CMS-1500 (or UB-04) claims, while contracted reading physicians bill 26 on their own claims. Confirm the contractual arrangement and CPT-by-CPT TC/26 indicators before claim submission.
Related Terms
Modifier 26
Modifier 26 is appended to a diagnostic procedure code to indicate that only the professional component — physician interpretation and report — is being billed, with the technical component (equipment, supplies, tech) billed separately by another entity.
Read definition arrow_forwardCPT (Current Procedural Terminology)
CPT is the five-digit procedural code set developed and maintained by the American Medical Association that describes medical, surgical, and diagnostic services performed by physicians and qualified health professionals; it is HIPAA-named for use in claims.
Read definition arrow_forwardUB-04 form
The UB-04 (also known as CMS-1450) is the standard paper claim form used by institutional providers (hospitals, SNFs, home health, hospice) to bill Medicare and other payers; its electronic equivalent is the 837I (Institutional) HIPAA EDI transaction.
Read definition arrow_forwardCMS-1500 form
The CMS-1500 is the standard paper claim form used by non-institutional providers (physicians, NPPs, suppliers) to bill Medicare and most commercial payers; its electronic equivalent is the 837P (Professional) HIPAA EDI transaction.
Read definition arrow_forwardWhere This Applies on MedPrecision
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